Voyageur Questhttp://www.voyageurquest.com
Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:14:33 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.5March Break family adventurehttp://www.voyageurquest.com/march-break-family-adventure/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/march-break-family-adventure/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 22:13:12 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=9095- Snowshoe, Suntan and Spring Skiing As March comes around, all of us need a break – a chance for sunshine and to shake off the winter doldrums. If you have kids, March Break offers a chance for a family adventure. The lure of hot weather and a beach motivates many to hop on a plane and head somewhe...

As March comes around, all of us need a break – a chance for sunshine and to shake off the winter doldrums. If you have kids, March Break offers a chance for a family adventure. The lure of hot weather and a beach motivates many to hop on a plane and head somewhere south. Having tried this, I can testify it feels good – for one day. But then, my d.n.a kicks in and I start to look for something active to excite me. This where a beach trip can fall short. The need for adventure.
This is where a March break family adventure at Algonquin Park shines. Nothing beats the physical and mental satisfaction of a great day on snowshoes or skis. March offers big sunny days and with the snow reflection – blinding light. Put on the sunglasses, a little ban de soleil , pack the water bottle and get ready to take off your jacket. Average day time temperatures are above zero and with the sun – can feel between 10 and 20 c! Being active in the sun soothes the body and soul. Not to mention – the total body workout leaves you feeling so satisfied at the end of the day. Add a wood fired sauna, glass of wine and a good meal and you will be asleep by 9pm.

Try Dogsledding
A winter adventure comes with a host of adventurous options. If you love animals – try out dogsledding. The thrill of mushing your own team is sure to get your heart racing.
Dogsledding is new to everyone with plenty of learning. Getting your brain to focus ton something else is a great way to recharge. You come back feeling you have done something really special.Bring your Dog
Speaking of dogs, we love dogs at Voyageur Quest and they are welcome at both our Algonquin Log Cabin and Algonquin Cottage Outpost. Unlike a tropical trip on a plane, bring your pup along to Algonquin for snowshoe and ski treks. Our dog loves winter and especially playing broomball on the lake.Ice Fishing and Snowmobiling
March Break adventure options are endless. Try ice fishing. Lake Nipissing is a fishing mecca and a short drive from Voyageur Quest Algonquin locations. Life in the huts is a world away from downtown Toronto! If you are a speed demon- try your hand at snowmobiling. Fred, our resident snowmobile expert , will take you for a guided half day on the Ontario federation snowmobile trials that travel up the western side of Algonquin.

Part of the charm of March break winter adventure is combining so many activities. By the end of three of four days of adventure and action, you will be feeling recharged. Your body will feel good. Best of all, these adventures keep your family together And did we mention, our Algonquin locations are off – the grid. Nowhere to plug in. Connecting over some hot chocolate – the smiles tell it all. And yes, you too will have a suntan.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/march-break-family-adventure/feed/0Winter at the Algonquin Log Cabinhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/winter-algonquin-log-cabin/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/winter-algonquin-log-cabin/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 16:53:56 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=9087To work off the grid in the paradise that is Algonquin Park’s north west corner is something truly special. Film maker Dave Hartman was up visiting last week and caught this slice of life at the Algonquin Log Cabin....

]]>To work off the grid in the paradise that is Algonquin Park’s north west corner is something truly special. Film maker Dave Hartman was up visiting last week and caught this slice of life at the Algonquin Log Cabin.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/winter-algonquin-log-cabin/feed/0Finding Christmas at Algonquinhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/finding-christmas-algonquin/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/finding-christmas-algonquin/#commentsMon, 17 Nov 2014 14:46:15 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=8893A snowy dream awaits at the Algonquin Log Cabin It’s a week after Halloween and already I have seen my first Santa. Yes, a Santa climbing a Palm Tree off a beach in southwest Florida. Thankfully the Christmas music has not yet hit the airwaves nor the talk of presents and shopping . If you think I a...

It’s a week after Halloween and already I have seen my first Santa. Yes, a Santa climbing a Palm Tree off a beach in southwest Florida. Thankfully the Christmas music has not yet hit the airwaves nor the talk of presents and shopping .
If you think I am a Christmas Grinch- you are wrong. I absolutely love Christmas - just not Christmas at the malls. No, call it a more traditional Noel, the type of Christmas that you sing about in the carols ... ' white Christmas, sleigh bells in the snow, tree tops glistening . Thankfully , this Christmas dream is not just a fantasy. Indeed a true romantic white Christmas awaits at a cozy log cabin at the northwest corner of Algonquin Park.Christmas in Algonquin is magical. The forest is quiet and with each snowfall, it becomes even more quiet. The December light comes in low from the south producing long shadows in the middle of the day. The frozen lakes beg for skis or skates. The night sky is filled with the brightest stars you have ever seen.

The Algonquin Log Cabin is the perfect base for a romantic Christmas in the Algonquin frozen forest. Rustic. a log burning in the massive fireplace with a huge red stocking. a two story Christmas tree in the living room. The smell of fresh bread hot out of the oven. It feels like you are coming home.

Far from the masses, the log cabin has just 6 bedrooms ensuring each experience feels like a private adventure in the middle of the wilderness. The guide team lead snowshoe and ski excursions to forest lookouts and across windswept lakes. Return to the cabin for egg nog , roasted chestnuts and hot saunas.
Festive meals include a Christmas day Champagne brunch and turkey dinner with all the trimmings ( yes - sticky pudding too!).

Come by yourself , or with a friend or family. Celebrate and feast together around the huge harvest table. No way to get there? Voyageur Quest organizes transfers from downtown Toronto leaving Dec 23 in the afternoon and the morning of Dec 24.

It is snowing today. The lakes are starting to freeze up. Soon we will be out skating under torchlight. The Christmas spirit is alive and well out here. Hope you can join us here for Christmas and experience the wonder.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/finding-christmas-algonquin/feed/0The Secret of Winterhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/secret-winter/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/secret-winter/#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 19:27:37 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=8881The Secret of Winter Get outside and feel amazing in winter Do you love winter? Do you love getting outside on a cool crisp day ? Do you love the après ski drinks and wood burning fireplaces? Does the frozen beauty grab your attention. Do you love the romance of snow ? Unfortunately , I run into so ...

]]>The Secret of Winter
Get outside and feel amazing in winter
Do you love winter? Do you love getting outside on a cool crisp day ? Do you love the après ski drinks and wood burning fireplaces? Does the frozen beauty grab your attention. Do you love the romance of snow ?

Unfortunately , I run into so many people that don’t like winter and avoid at all costs. This article is for you. Forgive me if you are already one of the converted few who love the snow and all that comes with it. Snow is on the ground at Algonquin Park’s northwest corner and we are counting down the days until we can hit the trail. The list below is for those of you who are considering one of our Algonquin Park winter adventures.

SNOW IS AMAZING FOR ACTIVE ADVENTURE
A winter day spent at Algonquin Park on back country skis or snowshoes gets the heart pounding . Algonquin’s hilly terrain translates to a full workout with long climbs and fun downhills. Dogsledding is a ton of fun as you work with your team mushing through the winter wonderland. Add to this, Algonquin’s frozen wilderness is stunning. Frozen lakes, snowy forest trails will stop you in your tracks as you pull the camera and try and capture it. The best part of these active days is the satisfaction you feel at the end of a full body workout in the crisp air feel.

IN WINTER WE APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS….
Like a warm cabin! Stepping inside from the cold wind puts a smile on our face. Aaah – heat! Warm up the hands and feet. Feels good. Add a cracking wood fire and this sensation is even more. Winter helps us appreciate these simple pleasures.

Apres ski by the fireplace at the Algonquin Cottage Outpost

APRES SKI, HEARTY STEWS AND HOT SOUPS
The reward of an active day outside is the après ski. Sip on a deep ruby red glass of wine. Feast on braised meat stews that have cooked for hours.
Or home made soups that warm your inside after a morning on the trail. Active days wet the appetite for my favourite foods like beef bourgignon, hearty borscht to name a few. And the baked deserts…who can resist the sticky pudding with hot fudge sauce.

It’s not that us winter lovers like to be cold or the cold weather. It’s all about how winter makes us feel. Active, healthy , Alive ! Come soon and you will be one of the converted!

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/secret-winter/feed/1Guiding at Algonquin Park with Voyageur Questhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/guiding-algonquin-park-voyageur-quest/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/guiding-algonquin-park-voyageur-quest/#commentsThu, 02 Oct 2014 20:22:16 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=8439The View From Here A canoe guide shares her thoughts on a summer guiding at Voyageur Quest The first thing I think of when I think of Voyageur Quest ( VQ) is the community, and this summer we had a pretty awesome one. I spent the summer months between guiding in the park and guiding at the Algonquin...

]]>The View From Here
A canoe guide shares her thoughts on a summer guiding at Voyageur Quest

The first thing I think of when I think of Voyageur Quest ( VQ) is the community, and this summer we had a pretty awesome one. I spent the summer months between guiding in the park and guiding at the Algonquin log cabin and I couldn’t have asked to work with better people on both sides. Not only did we support each other’s strong work ethics, but we also knew the job wasn’t finished until everyone was; that asking for help wasn’t a weakness but trust in another staff; that days off were meant to be silly and we could share them with one another; and that a cold drink at the end of a long day with the crew didn’t need a single word to describe the contentment we felt with life in the Ontario north and with one another. I feel honored to call this summer’s VQ team not only my staff mates but my friends and my community.

There were more than a few days this summer that were long and drawn out into the night as a few of us who were around the outfitters prepped for the following day’s trips, even those of us who weren’t going out. I can remember the exhaustion in building #3, where we do our pack outs, but I can also remember the laughter and singing (yes horrible, horrible singing) that came from those nights. Those are the nights that made us the amazing team we were and those are the times that bonded us. It’s easy to get along with one another when you have a cold beer and a sunny day, but to be dirty and tired and hungry and at your wits end from a long stint out and to find individuals who have your back during those times, now that is invaluable. Those times are the glue that hold a summer together and the cold beers on the sunny days are that much more enjoyable because you’ve gotten to that place together. Through the sun and rain and 7 degree temperatures of August, this is what it meant to me to be VQ staff.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/guiding-algonquin-park-voyageur-quest/feed/0Advice For Your Algonquin Park Canoe Routehttp://www.voyageurquest.com/advice-algonquin-park-canoe-route/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/advice-algonquin-park-canoe-route/#commentsWed, 25 Jun 2014 19:13:38 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=8301It’s that time of year where the Voyageur Quest office receives phone calls every day asking our recommendation for an appropriate Algonquin park canoe route. My answer always starts with who are you travelling with and what kind of experience are you looking for. Algonquin Park has over 1400 of km ...

]]>It’s that time of year where the Voyageur Quest office receives phone calls every day asking our recommendation for an appropriate Algonquin park canoe route. My answer always starts with who are you travelling with and what kind of experience are you looking for. Algonquin Park has over 1400 of km of canoe routes with 29 possible starting points and the choices can be overwhelming.

There is no right answer. My personal favourite are canoe routes that travel deep into Algonquin Park’s interior and includes lakes like Burnt Root, Catfish, Hogan and Lavieille. It is important to ask yourself and group a few questions:
1. How long do we want to paddle every day?
Some groups hit the water every day and love to move through as much of Algonquin Park’s lake and river system as possible. Some love a challenge. Some fishing, some just to relax… what kind of distance do you want to travel?

2. What time of year?
Algonquin Park changes dramatically month to month especially water levels. Some of Algonquin’s canoe routes are possible in spring only when water levels are high. Some canoe routes travel in busy areas where getting a permit may be difficult.

3. What is your demographic?
Travelling with kids? Do you have experience with long portages? Can you paddle against strong winds? All really important when factoring your Algonquin park canoe route.

As mentioned above, there is no right answer. If I have to generalize, here are 3 recommendations.

1. Get off the highway.
I love the highway 60 corridor – especially in the winter. But in terms of summer and fall, the Algonquin park canoe routes starting from the highway can get quite busy. Try out one of the other 24 other access points that are on the other 3 sides of Algonquin. Voyageur Quest operates out of Algonquin park access # 1 at the north west corner. 28 km from any highway, access one feels more wild and a great place to start a trip into the north west corner.

2. Take a trip in late June/ early July
Early summer is fantastic for seeing wildlife and fishing. The days are hot and the water perfect for swimming. Bug season is the first 15 – 20 days of June. Try a trip right after and you will be rewarded.

3. Enjoy the journey
Your Algonquin park canoe trip does not have to be tough or challenging. Take your time and enjoy the pristine beauty of of Algonquin’s lakes and rivers. Plan your Algonquin park canoe route with time to slow down and get in natures’ rhythm.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/advice-algonquin-park-canoe-route/feed/0Simple Pleasures of Algonquin Park Campinghttp://www.voyageurquest.com/simple-pleasures-algonquin-park-camping/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/simple-pleasures-algonquin-park-camping/#commentsTue, 27 May 2014 20:31:28 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=7938Does desire or need for a wilderness adventure with camping fade as one gets older? As director of an Algonquin Park canoe trip and cabin operation, I speak to a lot of people about camping. Many tell me their camping days are behind them. They tell me how much they need an exciting outdoor adventur...

]]>Does desire or need for a wilderness adventure with camping fade as one gets older?

As director of an Algonquin Park canoe trip and cabin operation, I speak to a lot of people about camping. Many tell me their camping days are behind them. They tell me how much they need an exciting outdoor adventure and that “I don’t camp anymore. I need a good bed at the end of the day”. For many, camping conjures up images of bad food and leaky tents.

I understand the need for comfort. People are working harder and harder these days with so much time inside in front of computers, on smart phones or stuck in traffic. As a society, when we want a break, we are craving rest and relaxation. Back in 1997, Voyageur Quest built our Algonquin Log cabin as an answer for those that love the outdoors but prefer a cabin with comfortable bed. Today Voyageur Quest operates 3 unique adventure cabin based properties – each catering to a different level of comfort.

Yet, the heart of Voyageur Quest remains our Algonquin Park canoe trips which journey into Algonquin’s backcountry for pristine camping . Stripped down, without roof or walls, our senses come alive. Our hearing is heightened. We hear the birds, the wind moving the tree’s, the waves lapping against the rocks.

Camping on canoe trips in places like Algonquin Park’s backcountry allows us to disconnect fully. Most hotels and lodges catering to those that demand wifi. Camping offers a respite – a chance to truly get away from the phones, tablets and electric signals.

I love the rhythm of a wilderness canoe trip deep into Algonquin Park’s interior. Get up with the sun, eat when you are hungry. My awareness grows. The ground feels soft underfoot. The cold water tastes so wonderful. Camping, it seems to help me understand I need less not more. The wilderness is stunning and we , man are part of it. Camping in pristine environment’s like Algonquin Park allows us to immerse ourselves in the natural world . Life becomes simpler- the important things become clearer.

Don’t get me wrong. I do love our solar powered Island Retreat, floating sauna and watching Hockey night in Canada on a big screen. But when I do need to recharge , slow down, find the balance, I head out by canoe to go camping , deep into Algonquin Park’s spectacular backcountry.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/simple-pleasures-algonquin-park-camping/feed/0What it’s like to work at Voyageur Questhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/like-work-voyageur-quest/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/like-work-voyageur-quest/#commentsMon, 21 Apr 2014 00:16:35 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=7141Well it is sad to see it go, but it looks like another winter at Voyageur Quest has come and gone. The magic of the Near North in the winter never ceases to amaze me. Whether it is the wonder that clients get, the pure white sprinkle of snow on the trees, or the invigorating feel you get breathing o...

]]>Well it is sad to see it go, but it looks like another winter at Voyageur Quest has come and gone. The magic of the Near North in the winter never ceases to amaze me. Whether it is the wonder that clients get, the pure white sprinkle of snow on the trees, or the invigorating feel you get breathing out ice onto your beard with each breath, every moment contains something special.

The only positive that I see is the promise of spring and with it the beauty of canoe tripping. Moose in marshy lakes, cruising down a shimmering flat lake at sunrise, waking up in my tent not even really needing my sleeping bag, and that beautiful smell of campfire smoke in the air. What is there not to love? Well it could be the long days that we put in, or it could be the bugs, or perhaps it could even be the rain that doesn’t stop for 4 days straight. BUT WAIT! I do this job because I love it good and bad, the positive aspects like seeing a client’s face light up because they just managed to canoe into camp despite the fact that they had never canoed before in their life make this job something more. It isn’t a job, it is a calling. When you have a blue bird day in the city and you are stuck inside are you like me and the other guides I know? Do you get those itchy feet and start crawling the walls a little… just scratching to get outside and play? Let me tell you, Voyageur Quest at Access Point 1 in Algonquin Park is the remedy to this itch.

Another season is prepped to begin, and I can’t wait! Hope to see you out there.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/like-work-voyageur-quest/feed/0LOCATION- What is an ideal location for an Algonquin Cabin based trip or Adventure Lodge?http://www.voyageurquest.com/adipiscing-fringilla-commodo-9-2/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/adipiscing-fringilla-commodo-9-2/#commentsSun, 03 Feb 2013 18:21:26 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=4490Assuming you are selecting an active Algonquin cabin based adventure, consider the location. In our opinion, adventure travellers seek Algonquin cabin based adventures that are lakeside, surrounded by nature. Again using, the Algonquin Log cabin as an example, the cabin is located on Surprise Lake, ...

]]>Assuming you are selecting an active Algonquin cabin based adventure, consider the location. In our opinion, adventure travellers seek Algonquin cabin based adventures that are lakeside, surrounded by nature. Again using, the Algonquin Log cabin as an example, the cabin is located on Surprise Lake, 8km from the western boundary of Algonquin. On a lake with just 10 cabins, you can paddle around kitchie Island and have the lake to yourself to explore by canoe. Surrounded by nature, our location is extremely quiet. Loons and owls hoot at night. Beavers slap their tails as you paddle by. Moose are seen regularly in the pond we walk by. Wolves howl in September and February. The Algonquin Log Cabin is located at the end of the road toward Algonquin Park boundary. From this location at Algonquin Park access # 1, you can’t drive into Algonquin. The only way further is by canoe or on foot. No electricity, off the grid from cell phones, tv and radio.

]]>http://www.voyageurquest.com/adipiscing-fringilla-commodo-9-2/feed/0TOP 5 SPRING ADVENTURES IN ALGONQUIN PARKhttp://www.voyageurquest.com/spring-adventures-in-algonquin-park/
http://www.voyageurquest.com/spring-adventures-in-algonquin-park/#commentsSun, 03 Feb 2013 18:21:26 +0000http://www.voyageurquest.com/?p=4475As a guide working in Algonquin Park, I used to dislike spring. The blackflies and mosquitos put such a damper on things. Nothing like trying to enjoy a canoe trip with a bug hat on- can’t see a thing! I remember driving our toddler aged kids to their Toronto school after a May weekend at our ...

]]>As a guide working in Algonquin Park, I used to dislike spring. The blackflies and mosquitos put such a damper on things. Nothing like trying to enjoy a canoe trip with a bug hat on- can’t see a thing! I remember driving our toddler aged kids to their Toronto school after a May weekend at our Algonquin cottage and the teachers looking at me in a strange way and asking what the carnage on their faces was from were from. I explained we were in Algonquin and the blackflies had been out. They looked at me in horror and shook their heads. Like I was crazy or something.

Having an office and home in Toronto and a business in Algonquin added to my perspective. You see, Toronto is fantastic in late May. The city is green, lilacs are blooming, everybody is out riding bikes, playing golf, tennis, rollerblading and packing the patios. Meanwhile Algonquin Park is filled with bugs and any outside activity requires bug hats, bug dope, etc. etc. The place is deserted – deservedly.

But about 10 years ago, my feelings changed. One key reason was my sudden awareness of just how abundant the wildlife viewing is at this time year after year.

Our company operates canoe trip guide training for the first 10 days of every June with the highlight being a 5 day canoe trip into Algonquin’s interior. We always see and hear wildlife on our canoe trips but about 10 years ago, we started to count the amount of moose we would see. This after seeing 19 moose in one morning paddle. We could not agree or believe the number but sure enough the following year, we counted 15 or so one morning. And it is not just the moose. The spring peepers can be deafening but not enough to drown out the barred owls who call out to each other all night long.

This wildlife viewing became more remarkable to me – especially when we started to count how much wildlife we were seeing in other months. June really is the month of plenty where we see 10 times the amount of wildlife as August!

Wildlife viewing while on an Algonquin Park Canoe Trip is just one of the joys of spring Another big one for me is trout fishing. As soon as the ice goes out, Algonquin’s lake trout fishing is outstanding. More on this at a later time. For more joys of spring, Have a look below at my top 5 Spring Adventures in Algonquin Park. Granted this is a highly personal and subjective list- I hope it gives you some ideas and reason to come to Algonquin or another wilderness areas this spring.